How did it all start?

I have had pets all my life. My first dog was a rescue named Rusty. He was a beautiful but eccentric mix of Irish Setter and Retriever. Totally bonkers but a trusting and loyal friend.

Since 1984, I have adopted various rescue dogs: lurchers, an ancient collie, a Whippet/Jack Russell, and a Chihuahua/Jack Russell.

Our family have also enjoyed raising two pups: a Chihuahua/Pomeranian and a Whippet/Spaniel.

In the last 25 years, I have had ten dogs, three to five dogs at a time, one big happy family with two children and my husband.

It doesn’t just stop at dogs! I also have guinea pigs, rabbits, rescue pigeons, and a naughty family Exmoor Pony.

Hands-On experience

With each new pet came a whole new set of personalities and characters, and adapting to their quirks.

Our rescue dogs often had past bad experiences and traumas that had to be understood; in turn, they had to be rewired to learn to trust, share, and bond. They are also my dog models for the website, and my daughter Rose Lewis, a professional photographer, has taken the photos.

Due to the behavioural issues and quirks of my rescue dogs, I have worked with numerous dog-specific professionals, who have given me a deeper understanding and a personal toolbox of tricks to assist most of our canine companions.

Most of my experience is hands-on and practical, but I love learning. As part of my professional development, I spend my spare time learning new skills such as pet nutrition, pet first aid, pet reiki, grooming, pet massage, and animal psychology.

“Your pet is not just a furball that breathes, eats and poops.

It is a member of your family and dependent on you for love,

stimulation and longevity.

It is not an innate ornament that can be ignored.”

Janine Lewis